During a panel discussion at the Cubs Convention on Saturday, manager Joe Maddon interrupted a fan asking a long-winded question about trusting starters to pitch deeper into games and not micromanaging the bullpen by channeling Robert De Niro in “Taxi Driver.”

“You talkin’ to me?” Maddon said.

Considering that the fans grilled Maddon at last year’s convention — even after winning the World Series — the star manager got off easy during Saturday’s Q&A session at the Sheraton Grand Chicago. There really weren’t any awkward moments while Maddon sat up on stage, a surprise given that the Cubs coasted through a 43-45 first half, looked overmatched against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Championship Series and fired three coaches after the manager misled the media and gave the entire staff a vote of confidence.

To be clear, Maddon already has a Hall of Fame-caliber resume. The Cubs' rebuild never would have...

SALE: Free trial and 30% off

Try The Athletic free for a week to get access to this article and more smart, in-depth coverage. Read and support quality journalism with this limited-time offer.